Daniel Malloy McEachin departed this life October 28, 2015, at his home. He was born August 2, 1925, in Florence, South Carolina. He was the only child of Peter Hector McEachin and Margaret Howard McEachin.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Elkins McEachin; daughter, Margaret McEachin Gates (Dennis), son, Daniel Malloy McEachin, Jr. (Amy), grandchildren, Samuel George Gates, FitzLee Howard McEachin (Erin), Peter Hector McEachin (Paige), Amy McEachin Buchanan (Will) and Daniel Malloy McEachin III. He is also survived by one great-grandchild, Margaret Malloy McEachin.
He graduated from Florence High School in 1942. He attended Davidson College before entering the United States Army in 1944. He served in 2nd Platoon, Company A of the 19th Battalion, 14th Armored Division of the 7th Army. He was in combat during World War II from November, 1944 to May, 1945. He was wounded at the Battle of Hatten for which he received the Purple Heart.
After his discharge from active duty in May 1946 he remained in the Army Reserve until 1952. Upon his return from World War II, he entered the University of South Carolina School of Law. While in law school, he was Chief Justice of Wig and Robe, and was first honor graduate of his class.
Upon graduation from law school, he entered the practice of law with his father, Peter Hector McEachin, his aunt, Leah Townsend and his cousin, Eugene N. “Nick” Zeigler.
He later practiced briefly with his son, Malloy. He was selected County Court Judge for Florence County and also served as a Special Circuit Court Judge by appointment. Upon the reorganization of the state judicial system, he was elected a Family Court Judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit.
He was an avid outdoorsman and waterman and athlete, playing golf and tennis until late in life. During his salad days he was a scratch golfer. He had an inquiring mind and was a voracious reader.
Though his formal education ended in 1949, his quest for knowledge in the fields of science, economics, philosophy and mechanics continued until shortly before his death. The family would like to thank Gloria Wright, Denise Charles, Deborah Berry and Willie Mae Goodman for their loyal care.
The family will be receiving guests at his home. Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2015, at St. John’s Church with interment following at Mount Hope Cemetery, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Church, 252 S. Dargan St., Florence, SC 29506; or to the charity of one’s choice.